Schlesinger; Pershing Sale to Israel Would Threaten Mideast Stability

October 2, 1975

PARIS (Oct. 1)

Defense Secretary James Schlesinger said here today that the sale of Pershing missiles to Israel under current conditions would threaten the stability of the Middle East. Schlesinger said that such a sale would moreover affect American positions in Europe where 250 Pershings equip American forces.

The Defense Secretary said that he had discussed this issue with NATO supreme commander Gen. Alexander Haig who supports his views. Schlesinger added that the British leaders with whom, he conferred during his recent trip to London also felt that the dispatch of Pershing missiles to Israel would have negative results.

Addressing a press conference after a meeting with French President Valery Giscard D’Estaing, Schlesinger said that America has stopped producing the Pershing and any subtraction from U.S. stocks would affect America’s position in Europe.